“Shrek the Musical” Special Gifts Theatre Company reviewed by Julia W. Rath

The Libertyville chapter of Special Gifts Theatre is currently featuring the original adaptation of DreamWorks’ “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” online and available for viewing by a general audience through Thursday, March 24, 2022. Live performances, featuring children and teens who have physical, emotional, cognitive, developmental, and learning disabilities, took place on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13 at the Copeland Manor School, 801 7th Avenue, in Libertyville, Illinois, as part of their Musical Theatre Libertyville Program. Musical numbers punctuate the 45-minute performance and advance the story, together with a lot of invented dialogue (plus subtitles), rewritten from the original. The remote version of the show was recorded from the production that took place on stage in the school’s gymnasium. Multiple cameras from various angles were coordinated using a switcher, so that we can see all the actors on stage and at times throughout the gymnasium. The final video was edited for broadcast.

For those unfamiliar with the tale of Shrek, here is a brief summary: “Once upon a time, in a faraway swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek whose precious solitude is suddenly shattered by an invasion of annoying fairy tale characters who were all banished from their kingdom by the evil Lord Farquaad.  Shrek cuts a deal with Farquaad and sets out to rescue Princess Fiona to be Farquaad’s bride. Rescuing the Princess may be small compared to her deep, dark secret.” Briefly, the production tells a worthy story that the children seem to enjoy participating in.

Performers include Daniel Graham as Shrek, Maddie McLaughlin as Fiona, Max Zinder as Lord Farquaad, John Agnew as Big Bad Wolf, Malene Brody as Goldilocks, Grace Donnellan as Dragon, Nolan Finch as Puss in Boots, Hayden Johns as Fairy Godmother, Hanna Krietsch as Little Red Riding Hood, Jess LeVine as Gingy, Emma Nakanishi as Snow White, Charles Sampson as Mayor Max, Mary Sims as Donkey, and John Volk, Jr. as Pinocchio. Peer mentors, who rehearse with each of the actors to coach them and help them recite their lines, are made up of: Savannah Agee, Sierra Brand, Amy Kerrigan, Anna Koberstein, Alice Krietsch, Nina Landvick, Kendall Malek, Bella Moraw, Samantha Nagel, Katelyn Nakanishi, Molly Price, Camille Rafie, Lucy Van Brunt, and Eden Vishnubhakat. The action in this show is nicely done, thanks, in part to the choreographer standing in the audience who signals when the performers need to move or dance. Costumes are creative and fun, and it was nice to see all of the performers wearing masks (as they were supposed to do).

“Commercial breaks” sponsored by parents, families, and friends cheer on various members of the ensemble. One portion of the show was dedicated to graduating senior Sierra Brand, a peer mentor, who became involved in this program as a “shy freshman.” She speaks about how Special Gifts Theatre gave her the opportunity to further her interests in theatre and helped her make friends who would last a lifetime. Watching this production will also make an important impact on you, so please consider purchasing a $15 ticket for remote viewing. If you watch from the comfort of your home, you will have the best seat in the house!

Those who want to be in the virtual audience have until Monday, March 21st at 7:00 p.m. to purchase tickets for the viewing link and password (good through March 24th). Go to: https://specialgiftstheatre.org/tickets-for-upcoming-events/ for more information.
Additional details can be found at https://specialgiftstheatre.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/specialgiftstheatre/product.jsp?product=81&.

For general information about Special Gifts Theatre and their mission and to learn about their various locations in and around the Chicago suburbs, visit: https://specialgiftstheatre.org/.

Please consider making a donation to Special Gifts Theatre, especially considering the COVID-related loss of revenue this year. Please visit https://specialgiftstheatre.org/donate/ to make a difference. To donate by mail, please make out your check to Special Gifts Theatre, P.O. Box 2231, Northbrook, IL 60065.

Please write info@specialgiftstheatre.org if you or your child have an interest in becoming a student actor or peer mentor, or if you are seeking other ways to donate or volunteer to help out in this very special cause.